Symptoms of ocular herpes

Synonyms

Herpes simplex corneae, herpes simplex keratitis, herpetic keratitis

definition

Of the Herpes at the eye is in the jargon Herpes corneae called. This means a infection mostly with the Herpes simplex virus type 1 or Type 2 on the eye.

Of the Herpes simplex virus generally migrates along the after initial contact annoy retrograde (decreasing) to an accumulation of nerve cell bodies (ganglion) in the head. From there it can in turn via a nerve fiber to the Lips but also get to the eyes and there one acute inflammation trigger. Most of the time the virus through to the eye Spread of germs (Autoinoculation) from an already infected area as often the Lips to a unified area.

Symptoms

The herpes simplex virus often affects only one eye. It usually spreads from the Cornea or the Eyelids out. An infection with the virus is initially expressed itch and Burn of the infected corner of the eye. Those affected who suffer from a herpes infection often notice that a new infection is looming. After a few hours or the next day at the latest, the skin becomes red, which can also be irritated. Next then form quickly Vesicles from those at the lip are very similar and can be of different sizes.

The inflammation can now take different courses. In milder cases, the inflammation is limited to the outer eyelid or the corner of the eye. These heal faster with regular care and are less bad. In other cases, the herpes viruses can also affect deeper layers of the eye. For example, if the cornea is affected, more severe corneal inflammation can quickly develop. The eye is then very irritated and the sclera, the visible white of the eyes, turn red and smaller vessels develop. The irritation causes the eye to water more frequently and thus protects itself from drying out and tries to rinse out foreign bodies, bacteria and viruses. In addition, the patient also feels the uncomfortable feeling of having a foreign body in the eye.

If the inflammation progresses Cornea If treatment is unsuccessful or if therapy is not initiated in time, the cornea can be severely damaged and have serious consequences. Symptoms like a Opacity of the cornea and the resulting reduction in visibility can occur. The Corneal opacity as well as the irritation of the cornea are often irreparable damages that make treatment by a specialist necessary. It loses its protective function due to the formation of scar tissue. In such an extreme case there is a risk of Blindness! In addition, the eye can swell slightly and be painful.

This is typical of a herpes infection Gluing the eyelashes together and Eyelids while sleeping, so that in the morning it is difficult to open your eyes without discomfort or individual eyelashes stick to one another.

The Viruses with a bad herpes infection can reach into the deeper layers of the Eye advance. Get into the Choroid, the layers between the inner Retina and the outside Dermis, the viruses are very close to the cells that are important for vision.

Further progression of the infection carries risks such as blurred vision or even loss of vision. Unpleasant pain occurs, which is also due to an increase in the Intraocular pressure caused. Often times, patients describe this symptom as a deep pain behind the eye. The increase in the Intraocular pressure is used in technical terms as glaucoma designated. Of the Choroid can they Viruses also easy to that Optic nervethat approach the eye from behind and also infect it. In addition to mild to severe pain, patients also notice deterioration in vision. The signs of a virus infection with the Herpes simplex virus shouldn't be ignored. The symptoms are often quite clear and require prompt treatment with appropriate antivirals after consulting with a Ophthalmologist. Last but not least, there is a risk that the recurrent (recurring) inflammation on the eye irreversible damage remains and the patient often suffers from the symptoms.

Please also read our article on this Pain behind the eye